DIY Projects for Your New Place

Spruce up your new place with home DIY

Now that you’ve moved in, it’s time to personalize your space to make it feel inviting. Whether you’re a DIY expert or a beginner ready to try something different, these endeavors can improve your place.

Check out some high-impact home improvement projects that are low investment — of time or money!

Outdoor DIY home projects for beginners

You don’t need to be a master carpenter to complete these fun updates, which are sure to quickly increase curb appeal. 

Create or update a patio space

A gorgeous patio makes relaxing outside after a long day much more enjoyable. Upgrade your current outdoor living area with comfortable furniture and greenery.  

If you don’t have one, create a space over a weekend with leveling sand and pavers or snap-together deck panels. You can find tutorials online or through your local home improvement or landscaping store. 

Set up an outdoor fire pit

Cool nights are much cozier with an outdoor fire pit. You can build one with fireproof brick or purchase one ready-made. Stabilize the pit on pavers or brick, and you’ll be roasting marshmallows in no time. 

Construct a raised garden bed

Raised flower beds can be built or purchased for an instant yard update. Fill them with flowers, berries or vegetables for a fun garden project the whole family can enjoy.

Build a birdhouse or feeder

Most home improvement stores have a section for home DIY project ideas. Find a kit or instructions to build a birdhouse or feeder. You can also find tutorials online for any style you prefer.

Finish the project to match the outside of your house for a cohesive look and hours of fun birdwatching to come!

DIY updates for home interior

These ideas are perfect for renewing your inside space, especially when decorating on a budget. 

Pretty-up with paint

Paint is one of the cheapest ways to rejuvenate a room. Whether you’re painting all the walls and ceilings or just an accent wall, changing or adding color can create warmth and personality in a home.  

You can also paint cabinets, doors and furniture to refresh an area without breaking your budget. 

Get creative with peel-and-stick upgrades

Peel-and-stick tile and wallpaper have made great strides recently. These renter-friendly upgrades are removable, which also makes them super forgiving for beginners. 

From backsplashes to floor coverings, there are tiles to suit every style. And wallpaper isn’t just for walls! Use removable wallpaper or contact paper to transform furniture like bookcases and dressers. Some contact paper is designed to cover old countertops for a quick update on a dime! 

Revitalize storage areas

Organized cabinets, closets and pantries can help keep a house tidy. To make smaller cabinets and pantries more functional, install shelf risers or slide-on wire baskets to take advantage of vertical space. There are also many stick-on options for pull-out shelving and drawers to help reach the backs of deep cabinetry.  

If you need extra storage, hang shoe racks on the backs of closet doors (these handy containers can store many things!). You can also find inexpensive storage baskets at thrift stores or dollar stores to separate items and make storage space look consistent.  

Install shelving

Floating shelves can add much-needed storage in small areas or points of interest for décor. Find shelves at retailers or online to fit your space. Then, grab your drill, level and a stud finder to hang them.  
 
Floating shelves not your style? Find other options at thrift shops and home goods stores. You can also make your own with scrap wood, pallets or wooden boxes. 
 
Note: You might need concrete screws or sheetrock anchors for hanging, depending on your wall type. 

Make a reading nook

Designate an alcove, an extra closet or the corner of a room for a personal library. To encourage reading, add bookshelves (thrifted or new), good lighting and comfortable seating. Make the reading nook even more fun by trying one of the tips above about painting or using wallpaper. 

Design a drop zone or command center

Busy families need places to store their belongings, such as sports gear, school supplies and winter coats. Create a drop zone inside your house with a hall tree or shelving.  

You can also update an existing mudroom with ready-made shelves and storage lockers or build something custom to work in your space. 

Don’t have room? Try a command center instead with a pegboard (even if installed on the back of a door) with baskets and hooks to hold essential things like homework and lunch boxes.

Create ambiance with new lighting

Light can change a room's mood. Artificial options are needed when there isn’t enough natural light from windows and skylights to brighten an area. Take down those builder-grade fixtures and put up something you love.  

If you need more lighting where there is no power, supplement with battery-operated fixtures that can be installed in less than half an hour for a high-end look. 

Show us your DIY wins

We would love to see your completed DIY home projects. Post them to social media and tag us on Instagram (@upackmoving), X (@UPackMoving) or Facebook.